Daily Archive : Thursday August 28, 2014

News

Middle school teacher charged with created pornBy Bob SusnjaraJohn Vastis, a teacher at Buffalo Grove’s Meridian Middle School, is facing federal child pornography charges after his arrest early Thursday morning. Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 Superintendent Theresa Dunkin said there are no allegations Vastis victimized any of the district’s students. “District 102 is a family and we will get through this,” she said.

Lawsuit against Vanecko in Mt. Prospect man's death tossedBy Matt AradoMount Prospect resident Nanci Koschman said Thursday that she was feeling “disappointed, and a little sad” after a federal judge threw out a civil-rights lawsuit she filed that accused Chicago police and Cook County prosecutors of a cover-up in the death of her son, David.

Naperville family helps show that germs travel, and that’s OKBy Lauran NeergaardSorry, clean freaks. No matter how well you scrub your home, it’s covered in bacteria from your own body. And if you pack up and move, new research shows, you’ll rapidly transfer your unique microbial fingerprint to the doorknobs, countertops and floors in your new house, too. In fact, researchers who studied seven families in Illinois, Washington and California could easily match up...

Family wants answers in Carpentersville man’s deathBy Madhu KrishnamurthyThe family of a Carpentersville man who died unexpectedly after a routine police traffic stop is demanding authorities provide an explanation of his death. Joshua Paul, 31, died Aug. 18 at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, where he was taken after being stopped by two Carpentersville police officers for suspected traffic violations. “At this point, the family wants to know what...

Glen Ellyn Park District won’t provide land for District 41 schoolBy Safiya MerchantIf Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 officials decide to build a new school, it won’t be on park district land, officials say. Leaders from both agencies met recently to brainstorm possible locations for a new school, but park officials made it clear they won’t make any of their open space available. “The park district believes that it would not be within the scope of our...

District 54 opens new Early Learning CenterBy Eric PetersonYoung children, their families and teachers were on hand for Thursday’s official opening of Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54’s new Early Learning Center in Schaumburg. A few of the new students even took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, $19.5 million facility, built with district reserve funds.

Prosecutor testifies about Schaumburg hotel attackBy Barbara VitelloA Cook County assistant state’s attorney testified Thursday that Mitchell Barnes made statements implicating himself in a 2011 attack on a resident of the Homestead Studio Suites in Schaumburg.

Buffalo Grove Days opensDaily Herald reportBuffalo Grove Days, the village’s big annual festival with five days of carnival rides, food, fun and games, opened Thursday night and runs through Labor Day. The event also features free music Friday through Sunday, an arts and crafts fair and a business expo Saturday through Monday, a barbecue challenge Saturday, and a parade and fireworks on Sunday.

Cyclist hit by car in Arlington Hts.By Melissa SilverbergA bicyclist was hit by a car on Kensington Road in Arlington Heights on Thursday evening. The cyclist was cited for a traffic violation and is being investigated for a possible theft from Mariano’s, police said.

Obama sets no timeline for action on immigrationBy Jim KuhnhennWith a self-imposed deadline looming, President Barack Obama said Thursday he still intends to act on his own to change immigration policies but stopped short of reiterating his past vows to act by end of summer. Obama raised the slim hope that Congress could take action on a broad immigration overhaul after the midterm elections in November. He said that if lawmakers did not pass an overhaul,...

Tongues wag over Obama’s audacity to wear taupeare wagging over President Barack Obama’s audacity to wear taupe. The sight of Obama discussing possible U.S. military action in Syria in a light-colored suit lit up Twitter on Thursday, and the reviews of his unusual fashion choice were less than fashionable.

Ukraine accuses Russia of sending in tanks, armorBy Dalton Bennett, Jim Heintz and Raf CasertUkraine accused Russia on Thursday of entering its territory with tanks, artillery and troops, and Western powers said Moscow had “outright lied” about its role and dangerously escalated the conflict. Russia dismissed the allegations, describing the fighters there as “Russian volunteers.”

Governor hopefuls rip each other on hiring, taxesAssociated PressThe candidates for Illinois governor sharpened their attacks on each other Thursday, with Gov. Pat Quinn saying Bruce Rauner’s plan to tax some services will help wealthy people like Rauner but hurt hardworking families, and the Republican businessman calling Quinn’s efforts to address improper political hiring “a charade.”

Chicago commander accused of threatening suspectAssociated PressA decorated Chicago police commander who rose through the ranks even as he was the subject of numerous misconduct allegations appeared in court Thursday, facing felony charges that he stuck his gun down the throat of a suspect and threatened to kill him.

Obama tamps down prospect of strikes in SyriaBy Julie PacePresident Barack Obama played down the prospect of imminent U.S. military action in Syria on Thursday, saying “we don’t have a strategy yet” for degrading the violent militant group seeking to establish a caliphate in the Middle East.

UN: Ebola cases could eventually reach 20,000By John Heilprin and Krista LarsonThe Ebola outbreak in West Africa is accelerating and could grow six times larger to infect as many as 20,000 people, the World Health Organization said Thursday. The U.N. health agency unveiled a new road map for containing the virus, and scientists are fast-tracking efforts to find a treatment or vaccine.

Hanover Park man pleads guilty to batteryBy Barbara VitelloA Hanover Park man pleaded guilty to aggravated battery Monday, court records show. In exchange for his guilty plea to the class 3 felony, Joshua R. Little was sentenced to four years in prison, and prosecutors dismissed charges of kidnapping and sexual assault, according to court records.

Tripping seniors on purpose to stop future fallsBy Lindsey TannerResearchers are tripping seniors on purpose, and it’s not some kind of warped practical joke. The experiment is among techniques being studied to prevent falls, the leading cause of injury in older adults. Falls in the elderly cost $30 billion yearly to treat and can send them spiraling into poor health and disability.

Geocaching new addition at Bartlett Heritage DaysBy Katlyn SmithGeocaching -- the treasure hunt phenomenon -- will make its debut at Bartlett Hertiage Days. Participants will search for a hidden medallion made by a local artist on the opening day of the festival Sept. 5.

Shakespeare in the Park returning to Wheaton for second yearBy Jessica CilellaWilliam Shakespeare's work will come to life again this weekend in Wheaton's Memorial Park for the second annual Shakespeare in the Park event. This year's play, "Love's Labour's Lost," will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. “It’s definitely a professional level of theater," said Kristina Nemetz, the Wheaton Park District’s superintendent of marketing and special events.

2 years prison for man who bilked Aurora, Elgin casinos out of $50,000By Harry HitzemanA New York man pleaded guilty Thursday to bilking area casinos out of more than $50,000 in March 2013 by purchasing comp checks using bank information from Canadian bank customers and later cashing the checks. Xueliang Li, 59, was sentenced to two years in prison; Li and another man also did prison time for similar offenses at casinos in Indiana. Li's co-defendant died of an illness while his...

North Chicago Health Center holds patient appreciation dayDaily Herald reportThe North Chicago Health Center in conjunction with the North Chicago Center for the Arts is holding a patient appreciation day from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. The event is open to the public and will include free food and beverages, a car show, yoga and Zumba classes, raffles, and music. Activities for kids include face painting, balloon animals, a bouncy house, and story reading.

Barrington Hills trustees mad over attorney’s removalBy Doug T. GrahamA dispute over the removal of Barrington Hills’ longtime village attorney played out before a capacity crowd of residents at village hall Tuesday night. Village President Martin McLaughlin asked the previous attorney to resign last week, citing the Illinois Attorney General office’s finding that the village violated the Open Meetings Act in April 2013.

Bartlett, county officials tour $5 million project to ease floodingBy Katlyn SmithDuPage County officials on Thursday toured a $5 million project to reduce flooding around Route 59 and Stearns Road in Bartlett. Construction began last year to solve drainage problems near the intersection and improve the quality of water heading into Brewster Creek. "It's going to make a substantial difference," said Jim Zay, chairman of the county board's stormwater committee.

Chicago schools getting $10 million for Safe PassageAssociated PressA school safety program beefed up after dozens of Chicago schools were closed last year will get a $10 million infusion from the state of Illinois for further expansion, Gov. Pat Quinn announced Thursday.

U of I plans to boost cell reception at stadiumAssociated PressThe University of Illinois hopes to boost cell reception at Memorial Stadium and add high-speed capacity this season, followed by a more permanent digital antenna system next year in Champaign.

Construction to begin soon on memorial for late Lombard village presidentBy Jessica CilellaEverything has lined up for a memorial to be built in honor of late Lombard Village President William “Bill” Mueller. The memorial will consist of a garden-like gathering place with a gazebo, which is set to be delivered within the next few weeks to the Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St. “The order’s in, everything is done and we’re ready,” said...

Former Arlington Hts. Applebee’s soldBy Melissa SilverbergThe former Applebee’s restaurant location on Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights may not be empty for much longer. Earlier this month, Sperry Van Ness, LLC announced the sale of the 5,500-square-foot building at 111 E. Algonquin Road for $1.36 million. No plans for its redevelopment have been submitted to the village.

Trucker charged with reckless homicide in I-55 crashAssociated PressAn Indiana truck driver involved in a crash that killed five people on Interstate 55 near Channahon has been charged with reckless homicide. The indictment also alleges 51-year-old Francisco Espinal-Quiroz had physical conditions preventing him from driving safely, including a complete loss of vision in one eye.

Cameras permitted for suspended doctor’s sex assault trialBy Harry HitzemanA Kane County judge did not impose any additional restrictions Thursday on cameras in the courtroom for a Geneva doctor accused of a 2012 sexual assault of one of his patients. The attorney for Mark Lewis, 55, asked the judge to admonish media members from trying to interview Lewis in the courtroom or hallway outside of court. Lewis faces uo to 30 years in prison if convicted and the state's...

Hoffman Estates officials take on ice bucket challengeBy Eric PetersonThe ice bucket challenge to benefit the ALS Association has reached the village government of Hoffman Estates, where it was recently accepted by Mayor Bill McLeod, Village Manager Jim Norris and Police Chief Mike Hish. “I think everyone likes to see a politician all wet,” McLeod said. “A lot of people think we’re all wet anyway.”

Lake property tax bills due Sept. 5Daily Herald reportThe second installment of Lake County property taxes is due Friday, Sept. 5. Bills can be paid by mail, online, by phone or in person at county offices or one of several Lake County banks.

Lisle man to spend 21st birthday in jailBy Justin KmitchA Lisle man began his birthday celebration Thursday morning on the run from police, authorities said. DuPage County sheriff’s deputies say they were investigating a group of men who gathered around midnight in anunincorporated area near Lisle when they approached Jason Brown, 21, of the 4000 block of Keller Street. They said Brown, who had multiple warrants out for his arrest, fled and...

No trial until January for Naperville man charged in fatal stabbingBy Justin KmitchRoughly three years will have passed before the man accused in a 2012 stabbing death in downtown Naperville has his day in court. Daniel Olaska’s defense attorney, Ernie DiBenedetto, told Judge Kathryn Creswell Thursday that he will not be able to defend Olaska until mid-January 2015 at the earliest. “Everyone, including my client, his family, the victim’s family and the...

Mobile home residents: Landlord is mistreating usBy Christopher PlacekResidents of a mobile home park near Des Plaines came to state and local officials Wednesday night to air grievances about their landlord, whom they accuse of being too heavy-handed enforcing rules in their leases. “This is a ridiculous way of handling people who live in a community,” said Tim Hoff, one of nearly 100 residents who attended the meeting at the Des Plaines Public Library.

Gurnee men plead not guilty to drug induced homicideBy Lee FilasTwo Gurnee men have pleaded not guilty to drug-induced homicide charges in the March death of a 22-year-old Waukegan resident, authorities said. Haitham Qasem, 27, and Kareem Perkins, 30, are scheduled to face trial later this year on charges stemming from the fatal overdose of Christopher Tiskus.

Summer’s Last Fling starts Friday in NapervilleBy Marie WilsonThe signs are up, the stage is rigged, the booths for businesses and food vendors and beer sales are in place, and it’s time for the Last Fling to begin in downtown Naperville. The four-day festival, sponsored by the Naperville Jaycees, opens at 5 p.m. Friday with a carnival along Jackson Avenue and runs through Labor Day at several locations in the city’s downtown.

Pet parade in Wauconda:Daily Herald ReportWauconda’s fourth annual Back to Drool Pet Parade will be held Thursday at the farmers market on Main Street.

Kids learn about wind turbine technologyDaily Herald reportSiemens hosted a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program at the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin Tuesday, and about 25 kids put together wind turbines. The goal is to pique their interest in science.

Trial set for Villa Park man accused in fatal arsonA Villa Park man accused of setting a July 22, 2012, fire in Lombard that killed his former girlfriend is set to stand trial Nov. 3. Todd Mandoline, 25, is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated arson and criminal damage to property in the death of Paula Morgan.

Island Lake officials still trying to resolve issue with sergeants’ promotionsBy Russell LissauIsland Lake officials are still trying to decide how to deal with two police sergeants who may have been promoted to that rank improperly. “The commission must come up with a procedure to deal with the people improperly placed in positions by the last mayor and chief, and properly fill those positions,” village attorney David McArdle said.

U.S. to begin safety testing Ebola vaccine next weekBy Seth BorensteinFederal researchers next week will start testing humans with an experimental vaccine to prevent the deadly Ebola virus. The National Institutes of Health announced Thursday that it is launching the safety trial on a vaccine developed by the agency’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and GlaxoSmithKline.

Islamic State group kills captured Syrian soldiersBy Ryan Lucas and Zeina KaramThe Islamic State group killed more than 150 troops captured in recent fighting for a string of military bases in northeastern Syria, shooting some and slashing others with knives in the past 24 hours in the latest mass killing attributed to the extremists, activists said Thursday.

Gas pipe work to disrupt Kaneland High, soccer club activitiesBy Susan SarkauskasReplacement of natural-gas transmission lines just east of Kaneland High School will disrupt several high school activities, and the Kaneland Youth Soccer Organization's fall schedule, on short notice. "We realize this is probably not the optimal time to be doing this," TransCanada spokesman Gretchen Krueger said. But increased use of the land above the pipes means stronger pipes are needed, she...

State seeks to revamp arts, social studies standardsBy Madhu KrishnamurthyState education officials are seeking to revise standards for arts and social studies to improve students’ college and career readiness. This latest review follows the Illinois State Board of Education’s implementation of new learning benchmarks for mathematics, English language arts, physical education and science. “It’s essential to review our learning standards to...

Defendants pared from $13 million St. Charles roof collapse lawsuitBy Harry HitzemanSeveral subcontractors could be dismissed from the $13 million lawsuit filed after part of a green roof at the St. Charles Aquascape collapsed in 2011. A hearing in mid-September will determine if the subcontractors have reached good-faith settlements for damages; the main defendant, a Artisan Design Build, a Madison, Wisconsin-based firm, is still on the lawsuit.

Challenger: Sheriff ignored complaints against donorsBy Lee FilasThe Democratic challenger for Lake County Sheriff claims incumbent Mark Curran has ignored complaints against a jail service food provider and an office administrator because they are campaign contributors. Curran said both issues were addressed and Jason Patt shows a "complete lack of management ability" by turning them into campaign rhetoric.

Cantigny Golf helps veterans with disabilities get their game onBy Susan DibbleCantigny Golf works with RevelationGolf to conduct monthly clinics for veterans with physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder. “I think it’s very beneficial for veterans," veteran Dawn Mattson said. "I think it helps emotionally as well as physically. Emotionally it just gives you a sense of being able to accomplish something.”

Car fire, accident snarl I-90 trafficDaily Herald ReportsAll lanes are open on I-90 after a morning car fire and a separate accident caused major delays, according to the Illinois Tollway’s Twitter feed.

23 bands to take the two stages at Naperville’s Last FlingBy Marie WilsonAs Last Fling Entertainment Chairman James Bernicky readied the lineup for this year’s festival, he thought not about booking his favorite bands, but about providing what “99 percent of people” would want to hear. “We’re definitely looking for bands that can appeal to the whole family, that a wide variety of people can enjoy,” Bernicky said.

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park presents First Friday Gallery NightSubmitted by Erin McElroyLakeside Legacy Arts Park invites the community to its next First Friday Art exhibit on Sept. 5. It provides the community with an artistic evening consisting of art, live music, complimentary appetizers, and a cash bar.

Israelis skeptical of Netanyahu’s Gaza victory claimBy PETER ENAVPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Israel achieved a “great military and political” victory over Hamas in the latest round of fighting in the Gaza Strip has met with skepticism from many Israelis, according to a poll published Thursday.

Gun tourism has grown in popularity in recent yearsBy MICHELLE RINDELS and JACQUES BILLEAUDThe death of an Arizona firearms instructor by a 9-year-old girl who was firing a fully automatic Uzi displayed a tragic side of what has become a hot industry in the U.S.: gun tourism. With gun laws keeping high-powered weapons out of reach for most people — especially those outside the U.S. — indoor shooting ranges with high-powered weapons have become a popular attraction.

On Syria, Obama faces questions on Congress’ roleBy JULIE PACEPresident Barack Obama faces a familiar question as he contemplates airstrikes in Syria: Should Congress have a say in his decision? Obama was barreling toward strikes last summer when he abruptly announced that he wanted approval from Congress. But Congress balked aand the operation was scrapped. This time around, the White House is suggesting it may not be necessary to get a signoff from...

A look at the Islamic State militants in SyriaBy ZEINA KARAMAs the U.S. strikes Islamic State targets in Iraq, extremists belonging to the same militant group across the border in Syria are capturing new territory and becoming bolder by the day. There, in its power base, the Islamic State group controls thousands of square miles of territory, including most of Syria’s oil-producing region. In the areas under its control, it has established an...

Decatur bench presser tops 500 poundsBy TONY REIDWhen Sylvester Stallone’s character is asked to explain his battle philosophy in “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” he replies: “To survive a war, you gotta become war.” Chris Rice brings a similar take-no-prisoners approach to the sport of bench press weightlifting. That means spending about seven hours a week in Decatur’s Club Fitness gym and waging total...

14 Chicago-area suspects face federal gun chargesAssociated PressAuthorities have charged 14 people in the Chicago area on federal gun charges and seized about 100 guns. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago says in a Wednesday statement that federal, state and city law enforcement participated in the investigation that led to an array of charges, including being a felon-in-possession of a firearm.

Search on for Indianapolis baby reported abductedAssociated PressPolice in Indianapolis are searching for a 6-week-old boy whose father told officers was taken when he was attacked while walking in an alley. Authorities issued an Amber Alert early Thursday for Delano Wilson, saying he is considered in extreme danger. The alert says a white man and a Hispanic woman were last seen with the infant in an early 2000s blue Ford Taurus car.

Coroner: Illinois woman hit in police chase diesAssociated PressWinnebago County authorities say a woman has died after being struck by a vehicle fleeing from police last week. A Winnebago County coroner says 42-year-old Karen Williams of Rockford died Wednesday after being hospitalized in critical condition for a week. The coroner’s office plans to conduct an autopsy.

Illinois hospital opens $1 million garden Illinois hospital opens $1 million gardenAssociated PressChildren’s Hospital of Illinois is opening a $1 million rooftop garden for families of patients in pediatric critical care. The (Peoria) Journal Star reports the ribbon cutting is Thursday for the garden. It’s expected to officially open next week after years of planning. The Peoria hospital is based at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.

Illinois women charged with cooking meth in churchSouthern Illinois authorities have charged two women with cooking methamphetamine in a rural Hillsboro church.The State Journal-Register reports 53-year-old Judith Hemken of Litchfield and 26-year-old Tiffany Burton of Hillsboro were charged with participating in manufacturing meth in a church Wednesday. They could each face nine to 40 years in prison if convicted.

Chicago men sue taxi company over brief kissAssociated PressTwo Chicago men are suing a taxi company after they say a driver tried to kick them out of a cab because they shared a short kiss.Matthew McCrea and Steven White filed a lawsuit Monday against Sun Taxi, saying the driver violated the Illinois Human Rights Act and seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.

Chicagoan accused of defrauding ChineseAssociated PressA 30-year-old Chicagoan faces federal charges for allegedly bilking nearly 300 Chinese of $160 million, including by assuring them their investments would secure them U.S. residency permits. A Wednesday grand jury indictment in Chicago says Anshoo Sethi told investors he was building a nearly $1 billion hotel and convention complex near O’Hare International Airport.

Arlington Heights OKs water, sewer hike to fix infrastructureBy Melissa SilverbergWater and sewer rates for Arlington Heights residents will be going up each year over the next five years — including a 19 percent jump in 2016 — to pay for what officials said are critical infrastructure needs. A rate plan approved by the village board Monday calls for hikes of 5 percent, 19 percent, 5 percent, 5 percent and 5 percent over the next five years. That would take the...

Kane County closing in on balanced budget for 2015By James FullerIt only took about one month for Kane County officials to cut a looming 2015 budget deficit in half. But now they only have about three weeks to address the final $1 million gap without raising property taxes. Cutting new jobs and raising user fees throughout the county may be the answer.

DuPage buys building for flood control effortBy Robert SanchezDuPage County is preparing for the next step in its ongoing work to alleviate flooding in Warrenville. The county has agreed to buy a commercial building at the northeast corner of the Warrenville Road bridge and the West Branch of the DuPage River. The building will be torn down so the bridge could be replaced next year and the river could be realigned.

Man’s death on railroad tracks in Des Plaines ruled suicideDaily Herald reportThe death of a 40-year-old man struck Tuesday afternoon by an outbound Metra train in downtown Des Plaines has been ruled a suicide by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said. The collision occurred at the Des Plaines train depot.

Sports

Depth keys St. Charles East’s win at Geneva inviteBy Kevin McGavinSt. Charles East and Glenbard South dominated the individual and team scores of the 17-school Geneva Invitational Thursday afternoon at Mill Creek. The schools shared to the top four individual scores as St. Charles East senior Gary King defeated the Raiders’ Michael Wittenberg on a scorecard playoff after the two finished the round with matching 2-under 69s.

Veteran WR impressive in Bears’ final tuneup By Bob LeGereThe Bears concluded a 2-2 preseason with a 33-13 loss to the Browns in Cleveland. With all starters and several top backups sitting out the final exhibition, players hoping to survive the final cuts Saturday got most of the playing time, and a few stepped up with outstanding individual efforts.

Northern Illinois rattles Presbyterian 55-3Associated PressJoel Bouagnon ran for 97 yards and four touchdowns and Northern Illinois beat Presbyterian College 55-3 on Thursday night in the season opener for both FBS schools.

Another big win for Round LakeDaily Herald reportAlejandro Sotelo notched a hat trick for Round Lake’s boys soccer team. His teammate Freddie Ramirez matched him. Sotelo and Ramirez accounted for all of the scoring for the Panthers in their 6-1 win over Dundee-Crown in a semifinal match of the North Shore Shootout at Lake Forest on Thursday night.

Abreu hikes RBI total to 97 in Sox’ loss to IndiansBy Scot GregorJose Abreu drove in his 97th run of the season in Thursday night's 3-2 loss to the Indians, but the rookie slugger is more concerned with the White Sox' poor record than his stellar numbers.

Lovin loves the challenge at ProspectBy John LeuschAs a standout volleyball player at Prospect High School in the early 2000s, Gabrielle Cottrell Lovin played under coach Mike Riedy. “I learned a lot from him,” Lovin said. “He always pushed me to be a better athlete.”Little did Lovin know at the time she would one day replace Riedy as the girls head coach at Prospect. Loyola defeated the Knights in two games on Thursday at the Jean Walker Field House in Mt. Prospect.

Olson, North Stars stun GenevaBy Chris WalkerIf Thursday’s match was any indication, the Upstate Eight River Conference is going to be a whole lot of fun and competitive as the leaves slowly turn colors. Using a header off a free kick from fellow sophomore Jonny Acevedo with just 55.9 seconds remaining, St. Charles North’s Ryan Olson stunned Geneva, 2-1.

Lake County roundupDaily Herald reportGirls golfLibertyville d. Vernon Hills: At Vernon Hills Golf Course, the Wildcats remained undefeated by prevailing in a tight North Suburban Conference match, 178 to 181, as Megan Sturonas and Sara Keefe shot a 41 and 42, respectively.“We didn’t have our best stuff, but Megan and Sara really kept us in it,” coach Greg Pedersen said after his Wildcats improved to 4-0 and 3-0 in the NSC.Medalist honors went to Vernon Hills senior Kari Lee, who fired a 40.Simone Mikaelian added a 45 for Libertyville, and Jessica Lovinger had a 50.Faith Jung (45), Kalina Yang (47) and Fayth Kim (49) also broke 50 for Vernon Hills, which fell to 2-1.Deerfield d. Mundelein: At Countryside, the host Mustangs (200) fell to the Warriors (188).Mundelein’s Jennifer Dimitriou shot a 41, three strokes behind medalist Elyse Emerzian of Deerfield.Marian Central d. Grant: The Hurricanes (212) defeated the Bulldogs (237), who were led by Kylie Diana’s 58 and Sydney Bell’s 59.

Lake County roundupDaily Herald reportBoys golfLibertyville d. Vernon Hills: At Pine Meadow, Michael Watson’s match-best 36 and Jacob Mueller’s 38 helped the host Wildcats edge the Cougars, 155 to 160.Michael Watt and Matt Cordan had a 40 and 41, respectively, for Libertyville.Brian Favia’s 39 paced the Cougars, who got 40s from Justin Park and Bo Manso.Warren d. Grant: At Bittersweet, Jack Hansen fired a 36 and was the only golfer to break 40, as the Blue Devils carded a 159 in defeating the visiting Bulldogs in a North Suburban crossover.Karl Tolentino added a 40 for Warren, which also counted Matt Moran’s 41 and Carter Wood’s 42.Grant (203) received a 46 from Sam Saghafi.Lake Zurich d. Wauconda: At Countryside, the victorious Bears (162) received 40s from Sean Baldwin, Matt Clarkson and Matt Gadomski. Teddy Noll and Michael Madura carded matching 42s.Wauconda (182) was led by Bryan Nee’s 44.Grayslake Central d. Woodstock: At Stonewall Orchard, balanced scoring helped the Rams (174) win the Fox Valley Conference match.Cooper Brunk’s 42 led Grayslake Central. Kyle Reynolds carded a 43, Michael Sisk had a 44 and Connor Fitzgerald added a 45.Woodstock (199) had the medalist thanks to Steven Alcaraz’s 40.Hampshire d. Grayslake North: At the Oak Club, the hosts shot a 170 to defeat the Knights (187) in Fox Valley Conference action.Grayslake North was paced by Alex Wrobel’s 44.

Masciopinto, Buffalo Grove stay ahead of Elk GroveBy Mike GarofolaBuffalo Grove captain Zach Masciopinto fired in the decisive goal early, converting a PK at 16 minutes to provide coach Rick Carlson’s team with a 1-0 victory over Elk Grove on Thursday night at Grant Blaney Stadium. That give the Bison (2-0-0, 1-0-0) a quick 3 points in its Mid-Suburban League opener, while Elk Grove (0-1-1, 0-1-0) is still in pursuit of its first win.

Prospect overcomes JacobsBy Steve NicholsProspect forward Alex Whiteman and midfielder Dominick Taldone weren’t allowed to repeat what the Jacobs student section said to them during the Knights’ 2-1 win over Jacobs Thursday night in Algonquin, but it was enough fuel to set the Knights’ competitive spirits ablaze.

Prospect prevails at MakrayBy John LeuschProspect, the Mid-Suburban League girls golf champs, came away with two wins at the Makray Memorial Golf Course in Barrington on Thursday. Knights senior Kacie O’Donnell and Barrington sophomore Reena Sulkar shot 38s to tie for medalist honors. The Knights won the tri-meet with a score of 180, followed by Barrington (184) and Palatine (242).

Bassitt to make White Sox debut on SaturdayBy Scot GregorClass AA Birmingham right-hander Chris Bassitt is going to make his first major-league start on Saturday when he takes the mound for the White Sox in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers.

Stevenson will hit the road for two tourneysDaily Herald reportStevenson’s boys basketball team, which has earned medals at the state finals in each of the last two seasons, will leave the state for the first time to play in two prestigious tournaments in January, 2015. The Patriots will travel to Wheeling, West Virginia to participate in the Cancer Research Classic at Wheeling Jesuit University Jan. 2-3, then will fly to Springfield, Mass., for the Hoophall Classic at the National Basketball Hall of Fame on Jan. 17. Stevenson will face regional powerhouses in both tournaments.

Neuqua Valley finishes off a winBy D.J. WanbergIt’s a common refrain in high school soccer. Coaches or players say they won or lost a game because they did or did not finish their scoring opportunities.

5 things to watch for in Week 1 of prep football seasonBy Kevin SchmitThe butterflies. Whether you play, coach, watch — or even write about — prep football, there's no avoiding those butterflies rolling through the stomach. And whether it's your first season-opener or, in my case, 24th, the anticipation never changes. Eyes on Five returns this school year, starting with a quick look at what makes this particular Week 1 special.

Notre Dame to hold out 5th player in investigationAssociated PressReserve safety Eilar Hardy has joined four other Notre Dame players being withheld from practice and games as the university investigates possible academic dishonesty and NCAA violations.Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said during a news conference Thursday that Hardy was not at practice. He played in 10 games last season, starting against Pittsburgh and BYU, and finished with 26 tackles. He did not play as a freshman or sophomore.

Fedora: No. 23 UNC suspends 4 players for openerAssociated PressCHAPEL HILL, N.C — North Carolina coach Larry Fedora said Wednesday the team has suspended four players for this weekend’s season opener, a day after a report of an alleged hazing altercation that left a redshirt freshman walk-on receiver with a possible concussion.Fedora said the four players were suspended for a “violation of team policy,” but offered no other details about what rules were broken. The players suspended were sophomores Des Lawrence and Brian Walker, redshirt freshman Donnie Miles and true freshman M.J. Stewart.North Carolina has said it is conducting an investigation of what it described as an incident involving members of the team. That statement was released in response to a Yahoo Sports report, but did not confirm it was a hazing incident.“We’re going to hold all of our guys accountable for everything they do on the field and off the field,” Fedora said after the afternoon practice. “And we also have very high expectations for guys in this program, and they didn’t meet those expectations.”Fedora said he didn’t know if the investigation being conducted by the school’s office of student affairs was complete. He said he didn’t anticipate any more players would be suspended for violations that he said took place early in preseason camp.The Yahoo Sports report stated that the alleged hazing involved several players and occurred in a room at the hotel where the team stayed for preseason camp. Chapel Hill Police Lt. Josh Mecimore said Wednesday that his department had received no report from that hotel for an incident involving football players and that there was no active investigation.Lawrence and Walker were listed as starting cornerbacks on the depth chart for the No. 23 Tar Heels. Walker has three starts in his career, while Lawrence was to be a first-time starter.Stewart was listed behind Lawrence, while Miles was a backup at the “Ram” position — a hybrid role in North Carolina’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme.The Tar Heels open their third season under Fedora on Saturday night against Liberty. It marks the first time UNC has opened the season ranked in the Top 25 since 2010.

Schmidt goes from walk-on to starter at Notre DameAssociated PressFormer walk-on Joe Schmidt doesn’t believe he has made it because he is now Notre Dame’s starting middle linebacker.The 6-foot, 235-pound senior said he doesn’t ever want to feel as though he’s made it.“There’s so much more I want to accomplish, that I want us to accomplish as a team,” he said. “I have to take the same mindset every day, to attack the day, attack the practice, whatever we have — the meetings. ... I don’t really think that it behooves you to get fat and think that you’ve arrived ever.

Everyone watching as Barrett takes over for Miller at Ohio StateAssociated PressThere are a lot of ways to describe J.T. Barrett’s new, amplified role for Ohio State.His teammates and coaches say Barrett has taken over as No. 5 Ohio State’s starting quarterback as if that were the plan all along.It wasn’t, of course. Barrett, a freshman, got the job when two-time Big Ten player of the year Braxton Miller reinjured his throwing shoulder 10 days ago and was lost for the season.

Stewart returning to competition after fatal crashAssociated PressTony Stewart will return to Sprint Cup competition Sunday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, ending a three-race hiatus taken after he struck and killed a fellow driver during a dirt-track race.The three-time NASCAR champion has not raced since his car hit Kevin Ward Jr. at an Aug. 9 sprint car event in upstate New York. Stewart pulled out of the NASCAR race at Watkins Glen the next morning, then skipped the races at Michigan and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Another blow for USC football as player quits alleging racismAssoicated PressRunning back Anthony Brown has quit Southern California’s football team, and coach Steve Sarkisian was stunned Thursday by Brown’s apparent accusations of racism against him on social media.A photo of the words “Couldn’t play for a racist man!!!!” was posted on what USC said was Brown’s Instagram account, which was later deleted.

After Rice, NFL increases domestic violence bansAssociated PressAcknowledging he “didn’t get it right” with a two-game suspension for Ravens running back Ray Rice, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including six weeks for a first offense and at least a year for a second.

Reds run all over Arrieta, beat Cubs 7-2Associated PressJake Arrieta wishes he would’ve held onto the ball a bit longer.Billy Hamilton stole his 51st base and the Cincinnati Reds swiped six in all, beating the Chicago Cubs 7-2 Thursday.The Reds stole six times in the first four innings, using six hits and four walks to build a 6-0 lead against Arrieta (7-5).

Week 1 football previews / NorthwestBy Dick QuaglianoHere's a look at the Week 1 football matchups from the perspective of teams in the Mid-Suburban League, plus St. Viator, Maine West, Leyden and Christian Liberty.

Prospect’s Will commits to BrownBy John LeuschAlthough she had a standout all-area season as a freshman, Taylor Will didn’t start thinking about playing basketball in college until her sophomore year. Then she learned about coach Ashley Sandstead-Graham’s stellar basketball career at Illinois State and Buffalo Grove High School. “Coach Graham (former Daily Herald all-area honorary tri-captain) started coaching at Prospect my sophomore year,” Will said “She has always been such an inspiration to me so I was sure I wanted to play in college after seeing how great her experience was. “I am unbelievably lucky to have been taught by such an amazing person. She has helped me tremendously and I cannot thank her enough for all she’s done.” After this season, opposing teams in the Mid-Suburban League will be thankful they don’t to defend the 5-foot-10 Will any longer. That will be the new challenge for Ivy league schools. Will has made a verbal commitment to play for Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Mike North video: Are the Bears in trouble?Mike North thinks the Bears first string should play the entire game tonight against the Cleveland Browns because they need the practice before the season opener at home versus the Buffalo Bills.

Northern Illinois Big XII looking better than everBy Dave OberhelmanlThe king indeed lived long, the king being the Knights. Kaneland won Northern Illinois Big X11 East football crowns the conference’s first three years. In Week 8 last season Sycamore snapped the Knights’ 35-game regular-season win streak, capturing the title. This makes the Spartans favored this year, right?

It’s Mr. Rodgers’ neighborhood once againBy John DietzThere are plenty of reasons not to hitch your wagon to Peyton Manning in the first round of your draft and instead take Aaron Rodgers (and maybe even Drew Brees) over the 38-year-old Broncos QB.

Buy a mere ticket? How quaint. Be a team ‘member’By Dave SkrettaThe change made by the Kansas City Chiefs a few years ago was subtle — one word, really — yet it ushered a pronounced change in the way the franchise viewed its most important fans. Season-ticket holders became known as “season-ticket members.” Suddenly, the entire paradigm shifted.

Ukraine conflict weighs on markets; Retailers fallBy Alex VeigaU.S. financial markets ended slightly lower Thursday, marking their first loss in a week of record highs. The escalating conflict in Ukraine, disappointing retail earnings and profit outlooks combined to weigh down the market, eclipsing some good news on the U.S. economy and labor market.

Dollar General committed to Family Dollar dealBloomberg NewsDollar General, whose $9 billion offer was rejected by Family Dollar last week on antitrust concerns in favor of a lower bid from Dollar Tree Inc., is trying to keep its perch atop the dollar-store industry. A merger between its two peers would create a new market leader and intensify competition at a time when Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is pushing smaller-format stores.

AAR division acquires container manufacturerWood Dale-based AAR Corp. said its Mobility Systems business has acquired the assets of Cool Containers, a manufacturer of temperature-controlled containers used to transport climate-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biological cargo.Terms of the acquisition were not announced.

Camping World/Good Sam plans expansions in 2015MarketwiredLincolnshire-based Camping World, the nation’s largest RV and outdoor retailer, and Good Sam, the world’s largest RV owners organization, announced additional markets for their 2015 SuperCenter expansion and future development. The newest developments raise the total number of Camping World SuperCenters to just under 120 nationwide.

Boeing, Airbus vie for $2 billion order from India’s Air OneBloomberg NewsIndia’s Air One Aviation Pvt. is seeking $2 billion of jets to take on Singapore Airlines Ltd.’s venture in the country, stoking competition in a market where carriers lost almost $10 billion in seven years. Air One, among six companies that last month got initial approval to start airlines in India, is looking at Airbus Group NV’s A320s and Boeing Co.’s 737s, its director Alok Sharma said in an interview yesterday. At list prices, 20 Boeing 737-900ERs cost $1.98 billion, although airlines typically get discounts.

JPMorgan boosts defenses against hackers after attack on systemsBloomberg NewsJPMorgan Chase & Co., the biggest U.S. bank, said it increased defenses against computer hackers after an attack against the industry this month. The lender is taking additional steps to safeguard sensitive and confidential information., JPMorgan will contact any customers that might have been affected/

JPMorgan-Inspired Colombia bond buying backfireBloomberg NewsInvestors who piled into Colombia’s local-currency bonds after JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased the country’s representation in its debt indexes are suffering the worst losses in Latin America this month. The nation’s peso-denominated notes have dropped 1.7 percent in dollar terms, on pace for the worst month since January. Local government bonds in emerging markets have gained an average 0.5 percent, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Malaysia Airlines posts sixth quarterly loss amid delistingBloomberg NewsMalaysian Airline System Bhd., which lost a plane to a missile in Ukraine while another remains missing for months, reported a sixth quarter of losses as its majority owner considers a restructuring plan. Net loss widened to $97 million in the three months ending in June.

Argentina set for second national strike as economic woes deepenBloomberg NewsArgentina is bracing for a day of road blocks and disruption as labor unions stage a second national strike in less than five months while July’s bond default threatens to fuel inflation and undermine growth. Truckers, train conductors, port workers and waiters were set to walk off their jobs today in a 24-hour strike to demand higher wages and in protest at dismissals.

New ship rules come amid worst barge spills since 2008Bloomberg NewsTighter regulation of U.S. ships carrying record exports of diesel and gasoline is coming amid the worst year for oil spills from barges since 2008. Coast Guard rules to be issued within the next 90 days would require commercial vessels nationwide to be equipped with Automatic Identification System, or AIS, technology, which uses transponders and electronic chart displays to alert pilots to neighboring ships, according to trade group American Waterways Operators.

Business leaders offer support for Scottish independenceAssociated PressSome 200 business leaders have offered support for the idea of Scottish independence from Britain, hitting back after a similar letter from other companies argued there are too many uncertainties surrounding the Sept. 18 vote.

Aeroflot to revive low-cost plans blocked by Ukraine sanctionsBloomberg NewsRussian flag carrier OAO Aeroflot said it will revive plans to build a low-cost arm after discount unit Dobrolet was grounded by European Union sanctions tied to the Ukraine crisis just two months after flights egan. Dobrolet, which halted services Aug. 4 as companies were compelled to end provision of services including insurance and leasing, carried 43,400 people in July, the only full month of flying, with 93.3 percent seat occupancy, Aeroflot said today.

CSR soars after rejecting offer from Microchip TechnologyBloomberg NewsCSR Plc, a U.K. chipmaker that pioneered Bluetooth wireless technology, is “considering its options” after rejecting a bid from Microchip Technology Inc. The shares jumped as much as 39 percent. The company turned down the price proposed by chipmaker Microchip Technology, Cambridge, England-based CSR said in a statement today. Microchip must say whether it wants to pursue a transaction by Sept. 25 under U.K. takeover rules, according to the statement.

Life & Entertainment

Daughter: Joan Rivers is in ‘serious condition’By Jake PearsonJoan Rivers remained in serious condition in a New York City hospital Friday, one day after going into cardiac arrest at a doctor’s office. Melissa Rivers said in a statement Friday that her mother was “receiving the best treatment and care possible.” She also thanked Rivers’ fans and friends for their support. “My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world,” Melissa Rivers said.

Billy Corgan goes solo acoustic for his Ravinia debutBy Ted CoxRavinia might not be the most incongruous place Billy Corgan has ever played. That gig would most likely be the appearance of the Smashing Pumpkins' leader on the final taping of “Bozo's Circus” in 2001. Yet Ravinia has to be right up there when Corgan makes his solo acoustic debut there Saturday, Aug. 30, especially as he readily acknowledges he'll be playing before the “wine-and-cheese crowd.”

Tickets on sale for Capitol StepsTickets for the Capitol Steps comedy troupe's performance at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29.

Jolie, Pitt wed in Chateau Miraval, FranceBy JAKE COYLEAngelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were married Saturday in Correns, France, in a private ceremony attended by family and friends at Chateau Miraval, a spokesman for the couple says. Jolie walked the aisle with her eldest sons, Maddox and Pax. Zahara and Vivienne threw flower petals. Shiloh and Knox served as ring bearers, the spokesman says.

Judge gives final rule in favor of ‘Sister Wives’ familyBy Lindsay WhitehurstA federal judge in Utah has issued a final ruling that strikes down parts of the state’s anti-polygamy law in a lawsuit filed by the family that appears on the TV show “Sister Wives.” U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups ruled in favor of Kody Brown and his four wives in December, and on Wednesday he ruled in their favor on the final issue, capping a landmark decision for the family that sued Utah in 2011 after a county prosecutor threatened to charge them following the premiere of the TV show.

Diane Sawyer exits as ABC’s evening news anchorBy David BauderDiane Sawyer signed off as anchor of ABC’s “World News” on Wednesday, telling viewers that it has been wonderful to be the “home port” of the network’s news team each weeknight. She will be replaced next week by David Muir. The 68-year-old Sawyer, one of television news’ best-known personalities, has anchored ABC’s flagship newscast since December 2009. While it’s been known for months that this was Sawyer’s last week as anchor, it wasn’t until she tweeted earlier Wednesday that it became clear she wasn’t anchoring on Thursday and Friday.

13-year-old Texas fashion designer finds successBy Jamie StengleAt the age of 9, Isabella Rose Taylor — a painter since she was 3 — took a weeklong sewing class with an eye toward incorporating textiles into her artwork. She quickly discovered a love for fashion design as well, taking the class twice more that summer. Now, at 13, her line is debuting at Nordstrom stores this fall and she’s set to hold her first show at New York Fashion Week. “It just started out as a really fun hobby, and it grew into a business over the years,” Taylor said.

Home decor taking on new facetsBy Kim CookFans of crisp, modern architecture and clean-lined shapes will love one of this fall’s strongest style trends: faceted décor. For those who feel that the whole bold, geometric-pattern thing is nearing overexposure, faceted furniture and prints make sense, according to New York designer Elaine Griffin. “Purer and streamlined, the faceted silhouette is the stylistic descendent of geometrics — think geometrics deconstructed,” she says.

Underground found-footage horror tale should get lost By Jordan Mintzer“As Above, So Below” is hardly credible, even for a film claiming that the gates of hell lie a few hundred feet below Paris. This low-budget, found-footage, underground experience from director John Erick Dowdle and writer-producer-brother Drew Dowdle provides a few late scares after plenty of eye-rolling setup, with said scares due more to the heavy sound design than the action itself.

Designing parents turn dorm rooms into dream spacesBy Roxanne RobertsSo much stuff, so little style. The dream dorm room was just not happening. Five years ago, Karen and Amanda Zuckerman hit the malls and big-box stores to decorate Amanda’s freshman dorm at Washington University in St. Louis. The offerings were ... well, underwhelming. The mother and daughter cobbled together a cute-enough room, then did what any creative, enterprising family would do: They founded Dormify, an online dorm design business.

Classic frozen pop from childhood remade as a pieBy J.M. HirschJ.M. Hirsch wanted the creamy-sweet richness of a Creamsicle, but he wanted it as a beverage. After a few misfires, he settled on combining a high-end orange soda with vanilla ice cream in the blender, then pulsing until smooth, but still milk shake-thick. It was simple. It was kind of stupid. It was crazy delicious. Then, he put it in a graham cracker crust. Oh yeah!

Gire: 'Strange' more a human drama than a love storyBy Dann GireIra Sachs directs “Love is Strange' with great perception about the benefits and drawbacks of family relationships. Sachs writes “Love is Strange” not as a gay relationship movie, but a human relationship drama invested in all of its characters, each of whom is granted time and dialogue to establish an identity and earn our understanding.

Gire: Blue Whiskey series presents 'When Harry Met Sally'By Dann GireThe Blue Whiskey Cinema Series presents its fall season, kicking off with "When Harry Met Sally." Dann and Raymond take a look at some of the greatest sex symbols in cinema at the Schaumburg Township District Library.

24-hour news cycle hardly enlighteningA Wheaton letter to the editor: As somebody who remembers the days when TV stations went off the air at midnight or so, and most people’s idea of talk radio was the DJ announcing the next song, today’s 24 hour news is not the source of enlightenment that it was cracked up to be.

Batavian unhappy with energy dealA Batavia letter to the editor: Our family was thrilled to move to a town as quaint as Batavia less than 1 year ago. We knew that as Batavia residents our ComEd days would be over, but no love was lost at the time — after all, can you name a ComEd customer who “likes” ComEd’s unpredictable responses to power outages and rates that steadily creep northward?